The little-known concept of "Ullage" can be a powerful tool for overcoming one of the biggest obstacles in expanding a fan base -- Complacency. Once you've gotten 100,or 1000 fans, how do you get fan #101 or 1001? In the Four Fader
paradigm discussed in a previous article, Faders # 3 and 4 deal with the parameter of appeal. A "hit" is essentially a song with mass appeal. That does not necessarily mean it’s a well-crafted song, or an effective song (Faders #1 and 2). If you take away all the
hit-making reasons that are not part of the song itself (artist popularity, advertising budget, industry connections, great production, etc), then you start to find a greater relationship between well written, effective songs, and mass appeal. This article shows you how to use the concept of ullage to keep the Four Faders optimized for your success.

One of my 2011 New Year's resolutions is to find a way to improve my songwriting skills by getting “Tips from the Tops.” I wanted to share my music research with the Muses Muse viewers hoping it will be also aid you to compose the best music and write professional, catchy lyrics. As a member of TAXI, my first interview is with Michael Laskow, founder and CEO of TAXI, the world's leading independent A&R company. For those unfamiliar with TAXI, this organization connects unsigned artists, bands and songwriters with major record labels, publishers and film/TV companies. Since it takes a brilliant song to conquer the major music maze, TAXI has numerous ways to educate folks on the techniques necessary to write a hit song.

Join
our columnists for discussions about the creative process and business
of writing songs. Ask them questions! Read a few music reviews or
send in your own music to be reviewed. If you know of someone who
would make a good columnist, please feel free tomake
a suggestion!